Albert II, Prince of Monaco Biography

The reigning monarch of the principality of Monaco, Prince Albert II, is the 32nd in line of the rulers of this sovereign microstate. The only male heir to the throne, he ascended it in 2005 upon the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. He belongs to the House of Grimaldi which has wielded power in this constitutional monarchy since 1297, with a few short periods of interruption. Bordered on three sides by France and on one side by the Mediterranean Sea, the prince has strong political power in this second smallest country in the world, which is nonetheless a major banking center with a diversified economy and home to some of the world's richest and most celebrated people. The prince has a commanding presence in this principality; he has received education befitting royalty, and is active in his role as a ruler. An avid sport enthusiast, Albert II participated five times in the Winter Olympics as part of his country's bobsleigh team. A lover of cars and aircrafts, he is a collector of both of them. He supports environmental protection and sustainable resource development — a cause he is committed to, both personally and in keeping with his family's long tradition. He has fathered legitimate and illegitimate children through several relationships, which he has publicly acknowledged